Adjustable reclining lounge



Dec. 20, 1966 J. PARKER ETAL.

ADJUSTABLE RECLINING LOUNGE Filed Dec. 28, 1964 INVENTORS JOHN F PARKER BARBARA J. PARKER ATTORNEY United States atent fitice 3,292,189 ADJUSTABLE RECLINING LOUNGE John F. Parker and Barbara J. Parker, both of 7001 S. Willow St., Englewood, Colo. Filed Dec. 28, 1964, Ser. No. 421,415 9 Claims. (Cl. 327) This invention relates to a novel and improved article of funiture in the form of a reclining lounge which can be adjusted to a number of different reclining positions and further can be collapsed into a portable compact unit; and more particularly relates to a folding, adjustable supporting frame assembly which is adaptable for use in supporting back rests, floor cushions and the like wherein the frame assembly is charaacterized in particular by incorporating a novel and improved bracket arrangement for releasably locking the assembly in desired angular reclining position.

It is customary to construct and design a lounge or chair having interconnected back rest and seat cushions with an adjustable frame assembly to support the back rest in desired reclining relation to the seat. And the present invention is directed to an improved article of furniture of this type which is characterized in particular by being lightweight, portable and highly simplified and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. Further, the lounge of the present invention is so constructed and arranged that it may be folded into a small compact package and specifically wherein the cushions may be folded together with the back frame support collapsed into flat coextensive relation between the cushions. Furthermore, the lounge may be set up for use without loosening, disconnecting or connecting parts.

Accordingly, it is a principal and foremost object of the present invention to provide for an improved article of furniture which is lightweight, portable and both simple and economical to manufacture and assemble.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for a lounge or floor chair incorporating a novel and improved supporting frame assembly which is of sturdy, rugged construction while being comprised of a minimum number of parts which can be collapsed together with the lounge into a compact unitary package.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an article of furniture with a reclining back rest which is automatically adjustable to the desired reclining angle without necessitating manipulation or direct adjustment of parts; and more specifically wherein the back supporting frame for the back rest automatically locks in position when weight is applied to the back rest and automatically releases for adjustment or collapsing when weight is removed thereby to permit upward or downward adjustment to the desired angle.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a back supporting frame assembly for detachable connection to a back rest cushion wherein the frame assembly is characterized by incorporating a novel and improved adjusting bracket located away from the sides of the frame and which will permit automatic and releasable adjustment of the supporting frame and cushion between a completely collapsed position and the desired angular reclining position without loosening, connection or disconnection of parts.

The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred form of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a somewhat perspective view of a preferred form of lounge, 1n accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the underside of a pair of interconnected cushions forming part of the lounge shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a side view of a preferred form of back supporting frame assembly for the lounge and illustrat ing in dotted form different degrees of angular adjustment.

FIGURE 4 is a front elevation of the back supporting frame assembly shown in collapsed relation.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 55 of FIGURE 4; and

FIGURE 6 is a view illustrating the lounge in folded relation.

Referring in detail to the drawings, there is shown by way of illustrative example in FIGURES 1 and 2 a lounge designated at 10 which broadly is constituted of a seat cushion 12 and back rest cushion 13 connected in hinged together relation, and a back rest supporting frame assembly 14 detachably connected to the rear surface of he back rest cushion 13. Generally, the supporting frame assembly 1 is designed to permit adjust ment of the back rest cushion to the desired angle between a substantially upright position and a horizontal position as illustrated in FIGURE 3. In this relation, it will be apparent that the supporting frame assembly 14 is readily conformable for use with various type of lounges or chair structures, although its use in combination with the preferred form of lounge 10 is thought to be especially unique in that it will enable complete folding or collapsing of the lounge into a compact unitary package when not in use.

Referring to FIGURE 2, the seat and back rest cushions 12 and 13 may be suitably comprised of foam rubber pads, not shown, which are inserted through zippered pockets 16 and 17 for cover sections 18 and 19, respectively. The cover sections 18 and 19 may be suitably composed of any of the commercially available plastics or fabric materials and interconnected in end-toend relation along inclined ends 20 and 21 of the respective cover sections by means of a pair of spaced connecting flaps 22 each having suitable snaps or buttons represented at 23. The cover section 18 and enclosed foam rubber pad together define a seat cushion 12, and along the forward end opposite the inclined end 20 is provided with a connecting strap 24 including a suitable button or snap 25 with a carrying handle 26 being secured to the end of the cover section just beneath the strap. In turn, the back rest cushion 13 is defined by the cover section 19 and enclosed pad, and in cooperation with the connecting flaps 22 is provided with an outside pocket or envelope 28 which in a manner to be described will permit insertion of one end of the back supporting assembly with the opposite end of the frame assembly secured in place by the flaps 22. The cover section 19 also has a connecting strap 30 provided with a complementary buttonhole or snap 31 for connection to the button or snap 25 on the connecting strap 24 at the opposite forward end of the cover section 18.

Now considering in more detail the construction and arrangement of the back supporting frame assembly 14, as shown in FIGURES 3 to 5, the assembly is made up of a main frame 34 for detachable connection to the back rest cushion, a pivotal brace 35, and a releasable lock assembly 36 for controlling and limiting angular adjustment of the frame 34 and back rest cushion 13 between a substantially upright and fully reclined position.

The main frame member 34 is dimensioned to conform in size and configuration to the rectangular back rest cushion 19 in order to provide a firm support therefor, and accordingly the frame is more desirably formed of an open rectangular brace 38, preferably of lightweight tubular metal construction to define opposite sides 39, upper end 40 and lower end 41 having an intermediate offset portion 42. Crosswebbing 44 is arranged at spaced intervals between opposite sides 39 of the brace and may be composed of a suitable fabric or plastic material, in accordance with conventional practice, to provide in combination with the outer brace a firm but somewhat fiexible support for the back rest cushion. In this relation, the frame member is specifically designed such that the upper end 40 and sides may be inserted for retention in the pocket 28 at the upper end of the back rest cushion with the opposite end 41 lying across the connecting flaps 22 at the juncture between the cushions 18 and 19. Then the connecting flaps may be wrapped or rolled over the end section 41 and snapped together so as to retain the frame in stationary relation along the undersurface of the back rest cushion.

The leg brace 35, as best seen from FIGURES 1 and 4, may similarly be composed of a length of tubular metal bent into generally U-shaped configuration to form opposite sides 44 and a closed end 45 interconnecting the sides and including an offset portion 46 located intermediately along the closed end 45. Free ends 48 of the opposite sides 44 of the brace are pivotally connected to the frame by rivets or suitable pivot pins 49 which are inserted laterally through the free ends 48 for connection to opposite sides 39 of the frame. In connected relation, it will be seen that the brace is dimensioned so as to permit its disposition in coextensive or surrounding relation outwardly of the one end 40 of the frame 34 and with the offset portion 46 aligned with the offset portion 42 at the opposite end 41 of the frame, as shown in FIGURE 5.

The releasable locking assembly 34 includes a longitudinal channel member 52 connected to the offset portion 42 on the frame and a longitudinal slide member 54 connected to the offset portion 46 on the brace 35, the slide being adapted for insertion into telescoping relation with the channel 52 and in such a way that its extent of insertion through the channel will control the angular disposition of the brace 35 in relation to the main frame 34. Accordingly, the channel 52 has a curved connecting end 55 which is bent over the offset portion 42 so as to securely connect the channel member while permitting freedom of rotational or pivotal movement of the channel about the end of the frame. In addition, the channel is provided with an elongated tubular section 56 being generally rectangular in cross-section, and having transverse. notches 58 at spaced intervals along the upper surface and an upwardly directed lip or fulcrum 59 across the forward end of the section forming an entrance notch or limited opening 60 for insertion of the slide member 54 therethrough. Similarly, the slide member has a curved connecting end 62 for connection to the offset portion 46 on the brace, and an elongated, relatively thin, fiat metal strip 63 extending away from the connecting end 62 and terminating in a locking end portion in the form of an upwardly directed lip 64. Here the locking end portion 64 is dimensioned for insertion through the entrance notch 60 of the channel and also is movable into one of the notches 58 provided in the channel portion so as to temporarily lock the slide in connected relation to the channel. An important feature is the relationship between the upwardly directed lip or fulcrum 59 on the channel and the end portion 64 since it will be noted that when weight is applied through the brace 35 to the connecting end of the slide the lip 59 will cause the forward or locking end of the slide to tilt upwardly for passage into one of the notches 58.

In practice, when weight is applied to the back rest csuhion such as for example in resting the back against the cushion the force applied downwardly and rearwardly through the brace 35 will cause the end 64 on the slide to tilt upwardly and to slide rearwardly until it moves into aligned relation with one of the notches at which point it will pivot upwardly into locking relation within the notch to prevent further outward or rearward movement of the slide. Conversely, when weight is removed from the back rest cushion and the brace lifted even slightly the end 64 will pivot downwardly about the fulcrum away from the notch to permit free sliding movement of the slide through the channel when for example it is desired to change the angular disposition of the frame member 34 and the back rest cushion 13. Furthermore, when not in use, merely by lifting the sides 44 of the brace member the slide member may be withdrawn outwardly through the channel. Preferably the slide is of a length such that when the closed end 45 of the brace is in coextensive relation with the end 40 of the frame lying against the slide member 63 the end 64 will move into locking relation with the outermost notch 58 as illustrated in FIGURE 5. Accordingly, the entire frame assembly is collapsible or movable into relatively flat relation along the underside of the cushion 19 when not in use, and the seat cushion 68 may thereupon be doubled back over the frame assembly with the connecting straps 24 and 30 snapped together into a compact package for ease of carrying or storing when not in use. Thus, the entire frame assembly is sandwiched between the cushions so as to be fully protected in collapsed relation until ready for further use.

It will be evident from the foregoing that the preferred form of lounge is specifically adapted and designed for use as a reclining back rest on any flat surface portion, such as, the ground or floor surface. Nevertheless, the supporting frame assembly as well as the releasable locking device is readily conformable for use in a number of applications to serve as an adjustable support for a reclining back rest, although again it is considered to be especially unique in its intended manner of application as described. Most desirably, the main frame 34 and brace 35 are composed of lightweight tubular aluminum members, and also the channel and slide section of the bracket 50 may be composed of lightweight aluminum materials so that the entire assembly is of lightweight but sturdy construction. Of course, the particular composition of materials as described is given for the purpose of illustration and not limitation and it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the composition, construction and arrangement of parts comprising the preferred form of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A lounge chair comprising a seat cushion and a back rest cushion connected in hinged together relation, and a back supporting frame assembly for said back rest cushion comprising a main frame member secured to the rear surface of said back rest cushion, a brace member pivotally connected to said main frame member and terminating in a lower supporting end portion, a telescoping adjustable locking member extending intermediately between the lower supporting end portion of said brace member and the lower end of said frame member to provide forangular adjustment of said main frame member between a substantially upright and a reclined position, said adjustable locking means and said brace member being collapsible into coextensive relation with said main frame member along the rear surface of said back rest cushion in the fully reclined position, and said seat cushion being foldable over said frame assembly with said frame assembly retained in collapsed relation between said seat cushion and back rest cushion.

2. A lounge chair according to claim 1, said adjustable locking means being characterized by being automatically releasable upon lifting said brace member for angular adjustment of said brace member and said adjustable locking means being further locked automatically when weight is applied to said brace member.

3. A lounge chair according to claim 1, said adjustable locking means including an elongated tubular channel portion extending from one of said brace and frame members and an elongated slide portion extending from the other of said brace and frame members for lengthwise adjustable insertion through said channel portion, releasable locking means between said channel and slide portions for locking said brace in different positions of angular adjustment with respect to said frame whereby to limit the angular reclining posture of said back rest cushion, and said channel and slide portions together being of suflicient length to provide for angular adjustment of said brace into coextensive relation with said frame portion while remaining in connected relation to one another.

4. A lounge chair according to claim 3, said releasable locking means being defined by a series of transverse notches in longitudinally spaced relation on said channel portion with a limited opening at the front of said channel for insertion of said slide member therethrough, and a locking member on said slide portion being tiltable within said channel when weight is applied to said back rest cushion for movement into locking engagement with one of said notches.

5. In a supporting frame for a cushion and the like having a frame member for supporting said cushion and an angularly adjustable brace member being pivotally connected to said frame to support same between a substantially upright and reclined position and terminating in a lower supporting end portion, an adjustable locking device being secured for extension from the lower sup porting end portion of said brace into connected relation with the lower end of said frame, said locking device including a tubular channel portion and an elongated slide portion aligned for lengthwise insertion through said channel portion, said slide and channel portions cooperat ing to lock said brace against pivotal movement when force is applied downwardly on said brace and to automatically release said brace for angular adjustment of said frame member in either direction upon lifting said brace member.

6. In a supporting frame according to claim 5, said adjustable locking device including a series of transverse notches in longitudinally spaced relation on said channel portion with a limited opening at the front of said channel for insertion of said slide member therethrough, and a locking member on said slide portion being tiltable within said channel when weight is applied to said back rest cushion for movement into locking engagement with one of said notches.

7. In a supporting frame assembly according to claim 5, said channel and slide portions being dimensioned in length to remain in connected relation when said brace member is pivoted into coextensive relation with said frame member.

8. A lounge chair comprising in combination a seat cushion and a back rest cushion, said cushions being of generally rectangular configuration, [connecting flaps interconnecting said cushions in end-to-end relation for relative movement between a folded and extended position, a back supporting frame assembly for said back rest cushion including a generally rectangular frame member corresponding in width and length with that of said back rest cushion for detachable connection in supporting relation against the rear surface of said back rest cushion, a leg brace of generally U-shaped configuration defining an outer closed ground engaging end portion with opposite sides being pivotally connected to opposite sides of said main frame, said leg brace being dimensioned for disposition in'coextensive relation to said main frame along the rear surface of said back rest cushion, and an adjustable bracket including a longitudinal slide member and a longitudinal channel member extending between the closed end of said leg brace and the lower end of said main frame member adjacent to the connecting end of said back rest cushion, said slide member having a locking end portion for insertion through said channel portion, said channel portion being in the form of an elongated generally tubular section provided with transverse notches at spaced intervals along its upper surface and with an upwardly directed fulcrum forming a limited opening at the end of the tubular section for insertion of said slide member therethrough whereupon applying force downwardly and rearwardly to said leg brace the locking end portion of said slide member is tiltable upwardly about the fulcrum into locking engagement with one of said notches whereby to control angular disposition of said leg brace in relation to said frame member.

9. A lounge chair comprising in combination a seat cushion and a back rest cushion, said cushions being generally rectangular and of corresponding size and shape, connecting flaps connecting said cushions in end-to-end relation for relative movement between a folded and extended position, a back supporting frame assembly for said back rest cushion including a generally rectangular frame member corresponding in width and length with that of said back rest cushion, connecting means including said connecting flaps for connecting said frame member in supporting relation along the rear surface of said back rest cushion, a leg brace of generally U-shaped configuration defining an outer closed supporting end portion with opposite sides of said brace being pivotally connected to opposite sides of said main frame member, said leg brace being dimensioned for disposition in coextensive relation to said main frame member along the rear surface of said back rest cushion, and a releasable locking assembly including a longitudinal slide portion and a channel portion extending between the closed end of said brace member and the lower end of said main frame member adjacent to the connecting end of said back rest cushion, said slide portion having a curved connecting end connectable to the closed end of said leg brace and a locking end portion at the opposite end thereof, and said channel portion having a curved connecting end secured to the lowerend of said frame member and a tubular section provided with transverse notches at spaced intervals along the upper surface of said section for insertion of said slide portion therethrough into locking engagement with one of the notches, said slide and channel portions being dimensioned in length to remain in connected relation with said brace is pivoted into coextensive relation with said frame member, and said seat cushion being foldable over said back rest cushion to retain said supporting frame assembly in collapsed coextensive relation between said cushions.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,250,026 7/1941 Laukhuff 571 2,570,571 10/1951 Leeman 297-377 X 2,666,216 1/ 1954 Schnaitter 5327 3,018,132 1/1962 Baker et a1. 297-377 3,092,224 6/1963 ONeil 297377 X FRANCIS K. ZUGEL, Acting Primary Examiner.

FRANK B. SHERRY, Examiner.

R. D. KRAUS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A LONGUE CHAIR COMPRISING A SEAT CUSHION AND A BACK REST CUSHION CONNECTED IN HINGED TOGETHER RELATION, AND A BACK SUPPORTING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR SAID BACK REST CUSHION COMPRISING A MAIN FRAME MEMBER SECURED TO THE REAR SURFACE OF SAID BACK REST CUSHION, A BRACE MEMBER PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID MAIN FRAME MEMBER AND TERMINATING IN A LOWER SUPPORTING END PORTION, A TELESCOPING ADJUSTABLE LOCKING MEMBER EXTENDING INTERMEDIATELY BETWEEN THE LOWER SUPPORTING END PORTION OF SAID BRACE MEMBER AND THE LOWER END OF SAID FRAME MEMBER TO PROVIDE FOR ANGULAR ADJUSTMENT OF SID MAIN FRAME MEM- 